10 questions to ask a web designer before you hire one

I recently asked a simple question on social media: what would you ask a web designer? The answers were great, and they lined up with what I hear in almost every free consultation. So here they are, plus a few questions most people don't think to ask until it's too late.

You don't need to know anything about code to hire well. You just need to know what good answers sound like.

1. Will I own my website and my domain?

   This is the big one. Your domain name (yourbusiness.com) should be registered in your name, with a login you control. You should also be able to take your site's content with you if you ever switch designers. A good designer will say yes to both without hesitating.

2. What will this cost, all in, for the first year?

   The design price is only part of it. Ask about domain renewal, hosting, email, plugins or apps, and any maintenance plan. You want one clear number so there are no surprises in month three.

3. Is the design custom, or built from a template?

   Templates aren't automatically bad, but you should know what you're paying for. A custom design is built around your brand and your customers, so your site doesn't look like a dozen others in your area.

4. How will it look and work on phones?

   Most of your visitors will find you on their phone. Ask to see past work on your own phone. Tap the buttons, call the phone number, fill out the contact form. If it's clunky, keep looking.

5. What do you do to help me show up on Google?

   No honest designer can promise you the #1 spot. But they should build in the basics: fast pages, clear page titles and descriptions, proper headings, image descriptions, and a site Google can easily read. Ask what's included and what's extra.

6. Who writes the words and provides the photos?

   Content is the most common reason projects stall. Find out whether you're expected to write every page, whether the designer can help, and whether stock photos are included.

7. What's the timeline, and what do you need from me?

   A clear process with steps and dates is a great sign. So is a designer who tells you upfront what they'll need from you, and when.

8. How many rounds of changes are included?

   Ask how revisions work before the design starts, not after. It keeps everyone on the same page and protects your budget.

9. Can I update the site myself?

   Some owners want to change hours, prices, or photos on their own. Others would rather send a quick text and have it handled. Either is fine, but make sure the setup matches how you want to work.

10. What happens after launch?

    Websites need care: updates, backups, security, the occasional fix. Ask who handles that, how fast they respond, and whether you'll talk to the same person who built your site or a support ticket queue.

One more thing to pay attention to

Notice how the designer answers. Do they explain things in plain English? Do they ask about your business and your customers, or just jump to colors and fonts? The best websites come from designers who understand what your business needs the site to do.

Have a question that's not on this list? Bring it to a free consultation. I'm happy to answer it, even if we don't end up working together.